arabis

[ ar-uh-bis ]

noun

1. any plant of the genus Arabis, including the rock cresses.

arabis

/ ˈærəbɪs /

noun

1. any plant of the annual or perennial genus Arabis , some of which form low-growing mats with downy grey foliage and white flowers: family Brassicaceae (crucifers) Also calledrock cress

Word History and Origins

Origin of arabis¹

1570–80; < New Latin < Greek árabis (stem arabid- ) Arabian mustard (derivative with arab-, as in Arabía Arabia, Áraps Arab, etc.); probably applied to the plant because it grows in rocky or sandy soil

Word History and Origins

Origin of arabis¹

New Latin, from Greek arabis (fem) of Arabia

Example Sentences

An interesting rock-cress is found in the Arabis Depauperata, which here shows the results of its fierce struggles for existence.

From Project Gutenberg

Arabis alpina ; Aubrietia purpurea ; Alyssum saxatile : all three very easy to grow, and very common.

From Project Gutenberg

The caterpillar feeds on Sisymbrium, Arabis, Cardamine, and other cruciferous plants.

From Project Gutenberg

The arabis with its snowy blossoms is beautiful beneath the early tulips.

From Project Gutenberg

Where the soil became more loamy, Arabis petra again came in.

From Project Gutenberg